Revive A Sunnah: Gifts and Gifting

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

As I journey towards Ihsan, I decided to not only focus on the knowledge of the Qur’an but to study the Seerah. You know, get to really know the Man (SAW) who lived the Quran. I came across this.

The Prophet (SAW) said:

“Whoever revives my Sunnah then he has loved me. And whoever loved me, he shall be with me in Paradise.” [Tirmidhi]

 ….And the idea was born: To start “A Revive A Sunnah” series on the blog.

Revive A Sunnah 1: Gifts and Gifting

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Is there someone you want to get closer to because of the influence they have in your life or Deen, someone your offended and want to make it right, or you want to make your spouse’s day or that of someone you just love for the sake of Allah? Let’s do it the Sunnah way.

Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Give gifts and you will love one another.”

 I love to receive gifts! Don’t we all? How about giving? At least the one who gave you would also love to receive. Imagine the feeling you get when you receive a thoughtful gift; now imagine making your loved ones feel like that… Bliss!

When giving gifts, one does not need to be extravagant. Little things like a pen, a book, a snack or a bar of chocolate would go a long way.

There is a difference between charity and gifts. in the words of Ibn Taymiyyah (R), charity is given to the poor and needy, with the intention to seek the pleasure of Allah. It can be given to any poor or needy person. A gift may be given to a rich or poor person with an intention to show friendship, love or just honour the recipient

The moment you hand over the gift, all your claim on it is gone, it no longer belongs to you. It is for the one receiving it, and they can do whatever they want with it– keep it, display it, store it, give it away or throw it away

Aishah narrated:

“The Prophet would accept gifts and he would give something in return.”

We should not invalidate our gifts or charity by reminding people of what we have given them.

O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. His example is like that of a [large] smooth stone upon which is dust and is hit by a downpour that leaves it bare. They are unable [to keep] anything of what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people. [2:264]

Give gifts and appreciate the gifts you receive. It is the thought that counts.


May we be among those who love the Prophet (SAW). Aameen.

 

Thank you for reading. Please feel free to share.

 

What are some of the things you love to receive as gifts?

16 thoughts on “Revive A Sunnah: Gifts and Gifting

  1. Shukrallah says:

    Beautiful concept “Revive a Sunnah” it’s something I am passionate about & looking forward to the whole series in sha Allah!
    Giving gifts is so beautiful it’s such a warm feeling… I always plan what i would love to get people and surprise them. I think it makes me happier than the recipient.
    Barakallahu Feeki.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. Iqra Asad says:

    My friends always know what they will get from me as a gift: a book! If I know that someone doesn’t particularly like to read, then I select jewellery or a little decoration piece or something like that. Last year I got a bunch of dua booklets and paired them with postcards that I already had. A modest gift but received by every person I gave it to with a lot of appreciation and thanks. It’s a good thing you blogged about this topic. My parents always said, “Why do you give your friends gifts, they don’t gift you back” but I don’t give in order to receive. The joy is in the giving!

    Liked by 1 person

    • UmmBilal says:

      Yeah! I agree to all your points.
      1. A book is always a good idea
      2. No matter how little or modest a gift is, the key is in its appreciation.
      3. Giving is way much more fun than receiving
      Jazakillahu khayr sis.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. ummimommy says:

    Reviving the Sunnah is something we do on an everyday basis Alhamdulillah. Gifit giving is such a pleasure and knowing it is a Sunnah just elevates the whole purpose. great post sister. ❤

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  4. Fozia S says:

    Exactly..doesn’t have to be an extravagant gift! I personally am happy with some chocolate!!

    In our culture though have noticed it seems to be to give to receive. For example if someone has a baby the ‘aunties’ will give money and then keep a track of it and expect you to give the same if not more when someone in their family gives birth. Really irritates me.

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  5. Haya says:

    Indeed gift increases love for one another. It shows- we care. A appreciating poem to a friend or a child’s drawing for their grandparents would be far more valued than cash and gold. May we be blessed with a generous heart. Ameen

    Like

  6. Hafsa Waseela says:

    Great article 🙂
    I love gifting people without a reason even if they don’t get me a gift in return.
    My gift from them is seeing their smile and doing well in life 🙂
    No matter how close and/or far 🙂

    Like

  7. myrahmahtales says:

    I loved this article and hope to make a sincere effort, in sha Allah.
    My prayer rugs are the most cherished of my gifts. One came from a sister who has passed away now, and I try to still use it to benefit the giver. Another came from a sister on her way to another country. she insisted that i get it, and i still use that one too. Yet a third came as a gift on my return from hajj, and yep, it’s put to regular use. Anyway, enough from me. I look forward to the series. Jazak Allahu khair.

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  8. usranaeem says:

    Mashaa Allah this is one of a beautiful post I read today❤
    Totally appreciate the idea that we should give gifts to the people we love,we shouldn’t care about how big a gift should be(high cost etc)
    We all love receiving gifts but we should give gifts to others too❤👌

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